Indigenous Director - Indigenous Programs

Spirit Omega Inc; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Spirit Omega Inc. seeks a Director, Indigenous Programs to provide strategic leadership across Canada. The role leads a national team delivering play-based learning, youth development, training, and community engagement in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Strong collaboration, budgeting, and donor relations are essential to advance culturally responsive programs. The position reports to the VP, Programs and is based primarily in Toronto, with travel to partner

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Community Development, Indigenous Studies, Child and Youth Studies, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field; postgraduate degree is an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in Indigenous-serving, community-based, education, or youth development organizations.
• Minimum 5 years leading multidisciplinary teams and managing significant budgets.
• Experience working collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Indigenous Programs across Canada.
• Oversee program strategy, operations, team leadership, financial management and partnerships to ensure high-quality, culturally responsive programs.
• Lead a Senior Management Team of seven and oversee a staff of 20+ employees.
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation, safeguarding and quality assurance processes to maximize outcomes.

Skills

Indigenous knowledge

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Relationship building

AI technologies

Education

Bachelor's degree

Postgraduate degree (asset)

Job description

This position is seeking candidates who identify as First Nations, Inuit or Metis. Candidates from these communities who wish to be considered must self identify.

The Director, Indigenous Programs is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational management, and continuous improvement of Organizations Indigenous Programs across Canada. The role provides overall direction to a national team delivering play-based learning, youth development, training, community engagement, and capacity-building initiatives in partnership with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.

Reports to: Vice-President, Programs

Location: First preference Toronto-based, but could be in another relevant location in Canada

Direct Reports: 7

Position Summary

The Director, Indigenous Programs provides strategic leadership for the organization's Indigenous Programs across Canada. The role is responsible for program strategy, operations, team leadership, financial management, and partnership development to ensure high-quality, culturally responsive programs that support children, youth, and Indigenous communities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (25%)

• Develop and implement the Indigenous Programs strategy, annual operating plans, and performance objectives aligned with organizational priorities and reconciliation commitments.
• Ensure programs reflect Indigenous knowledge, perspectives, and community priorities.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.

Program Leadership and Quality (25%)

• Oversee the delivery of play-based learning and youth development programs across Indigenous partner communities.
• Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation, safeguarding, and quality assurance processes.
• Drive continuous improvement to maximize outcomes for children, youth, and communities.

People Leadership (20%)

• Lead, coach, mentor, and support a high-performing Indigenous Programs team.
• Foster an inclusive, culturally respectful, collaborative, and accountable workplace.
• Promote employee engagement, learning, wellbeing, and retention.

Financial and Operational Management (15%)

• Manage an annual program budget of approximately $5 million.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, contracts, and legislation.
• Collaborate with the Canadian National Office to support fundraising initiatives.

Partnerships and External Relations (15%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, government, funders, academic institutions, and sector partners.
• Represent the organization externally and support fundraising, partnership development, donor stewardship, and advocacy activities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Scope and Leadership

• National leadership role supporting Indigenous communities across Canada.
• Leads a Senior Management Team of seven and oversees a team of more than 20 employees.
• Accountable for program delivery, budgets, partnerships, and operational performance.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Education, Social Work, Community Development, Indigenous Studies, Child and Youth Studies, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A postgraduate degree is an asset.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in Indigenous-serving, community-based, education, or youth development organizations.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing significant budgets.
• Experience working collaboratively with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of Indigenous histories, cultures, worldviews, and contemporary realities in Canada.
• Knowledge of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, UNDRIP, and Indigenous engagement practices.
• Understanding of child and youth development, play-based learning, and nonprofit funding environments.
• Strong leadership, communication, relationship-building, and strategic planning skills.
• Proficiency with digital collaboration tools and emerging AI technologies.
• Excellent English communication skills; French and/or an Indigenous language are assets.

Preferred Candidate

Preference will be given to First Nations, Inuit, or Métis candidates. Other candidates with significant experience serving Indigenous communities will also be considered.

Core Competencies

• Collaborative leadership
• Strategic thinking and innovation
• Growth mindset and continuous improvement
• Cultural humility and respect
• Resilience and adaptability
• Professionalism, integrity, and accountability
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Working Conditions

• Travel to Indigenous community partners across Canada approximately once per quarter.
• Occasional evening or weekend meetings and events.
• If based outside Toronto, monthly travel to the Toronto office is required.

We thank all applicants for applying, however only those considered for an interview will be contacted directly

Spirit Omega is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from anyone, including members of Indigenous peoples, Women, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities.

Looking for more opportunities? Check out our website at Spirit Omega Job Board